Topic: Current Hardware

Apple on Tuesday released a trio of SMC updates, one each for the MacBook Pro, MacBook Pro Retina and MacBook Air, that patches a minor issue some users have experienced when draining the battery down to near zero.

Apple on Tuesday introduced its late-2013 family of iMac desktop computers and authorized reseller MacMall says it's prepared to begin shipping three of the five standard retail configurations tomorrow, each of which is offered to AppleInsider readers at the lowest prices anywhere through exclusive coupons.

The Mac could become a victim of Apple's own success, according to one analyst, who points to the company's superior design aesthetic, along with the popularity of the iPhone and iPad, as reasons for stagnation in Mac sales growth.

Apple's major channel partners have begun offering material discounts on custom-configured iMacs just as the company appears to have slowed the flow of units coming into the channel in preparation for new Haswell-based models expected by fall.

In addition to its recently-announced iPhone trade-in incentives, Best Buy this weekend is among a handful of resellers offering notable discounts on Apple's MacBook Airs, with prices for 2012 and current 2013 models starting at $799 and $899, respectively.

In its on-going quest to bring you the most affordable pricing on Apple's product offerings, AppleInsider is teaming this week with Apple power reseller B&H Photo to offer the lowest prices anywhere on an entry-level 11-inch MacBook Air and a fully-loaded current-generation 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display.

Apple reduced its total channel inventory by a whopping $1 billion last quarter. That aggressive cut may help explain recent temporary stock-outs of low-volume products, such as Macs and accessories, as the company adopts what is said to be a more conservative approach amidst a shrinking PC market.

Big box retailer Best Buy is holding a 48-hour sale that ends Saturday at midnight, slashing the price of all MacBook Pro with Retina display models by $200, while also offering $100 iTunes Gift Cards for $85. Meanwhile, other Apple resellers have discounted fully loaded MacBook Pro with Retina display BTO configurations by as much as $650, while supplies last.

Having caught up with initial demand for its all-day power MacBook Airs, Apple this week is teaming with Best Buy to host the first official sale on the new notebooks. The move has triggered copy-cat sales at other top resellers, which now yield the lowest prices yet on some models.

Just one day after Apple rolled out an AirPort Utility update to fix a MacBook Air Wi-Fi issue, a new problem has allegedly been discovered, with users now reporting uncontrollable volume fluctuations in their new laptops.

Target is currently offering free Gift Cards to customers who purchase WiFi iPad minis, iPad 4s with Retina display, or Apple TVs. Meanwhile, a 48-hour deal offers Western Digital's 2-terabyte Passport Drive for just $99, and there are now a dozen and a half MacBook Air configs in stock at the lowest prices anywhere.